My Hardest Working Transitional Piece

I’ve found the perfect summer/fall transitional piece — a black loose fitting Mango jumpsuit. It’s an accident that I even have this jumpsuit. Originally, I found it on Poshmark for my youngest daughter. But when it got here,  I knew it was way too big for her. Thinking that I might alter it, I tried it on to get a better idea of its size. Just one look in the mirror and I immediately knew, she was never going to see this one! Back to Poshmark I went back, found another jumpsuit, ordered it and that one fit her perfectly.

I started wearing my Mango during the hot weather of August and now I find myself grabbing it for  the cooler days of September. My jumpsuit is perfect for showing off belts and I am finding numerous ways for tops and jackets to work with it, including this 2nd Loved piece that I am first showing today.

This knitted kimono-inspired cardigan was sourced from Plato’s Closet. I’ve been curious about Plato’s Closet because Michelle, my oldest, has been finding a few incredible pieces. Before I left Joplin last time, I made a quick detour to check out their current selections. I was determined to find one piece that I was in love with and find it I did!

It’s by Flying Tomato (couldn’t really find them on the web). I just feel very at home in this wrap because it is eye-catching, yet very classical. The large flat layers of this design allow for a striking visual pattern.

I finished the look with my wide White House Black Market reptile printed belt, a pair of Nine West patent leather nude heels, and a black multi-chain necklace that I picked up a Tuesday Morning some time ago.

My cream crocodile clutch is by Eileen Kramer. This bag has been in my collection about three years and it should have a removable strap, which I guess got removed permanently. I’ve always used it as a clutch and have never been inclined to get a chain for it (although purse chains of all styles and sizes are easily found these days).

I had quite a bit of fun with this second look. Originally, I had a much dressier version planned but decided to go in a very different direction. It hasn’t missed my notice that quite a few jean jackets have been paired with dresses in the fashion blog-sphere for quite a while. Instead of the traditional blue denim, I went with an INC International Concepts cream denim jacket that I picked up at a West Palm Beach Macy’s back around 2005. This jacket has been one of my favorites over the years.

I don’t know how you feel about pairing black and brown. I like to as long as I feel the total look is balanced. In this case, I’ve used cream, tan and plaid elements to tie everything together.

The ostrich printed bag is by Nanette Lapour. I pulled out my Epoch plaid Trilby hat and thought my newly Poshmarked Sam Edelman plaid flats blended perfectly. I didn’t want jewelry and instead went with a vintage multi fall printed Bill Blass vintage scarf and to be quite honest, I can’t remember where I got the belt. You can see a little bit below how wide it is. I think this is going to be my season for big belts.

I’ve been looking for plaid flats for a while and finally, last week, these Sam Edelman’s showed up on Poshmark.

You will never see the jumpsuit’s spaghetti straps because I am pretty sure that I will always wear some type of top with it. There is also an inset band detail that I wanted to show. But one of the most important features is the side zipper because that makes going to the bathroom a zip (yes, pun intended). I remember making a jumpsuit in the late 70’s with all these buttons going down the front and think I wore that thing once and  you can probably can figure out why!

My Mango has already been on Instagram a couple of times this August. I wore it for a Women’s Equality Week event and you can click HERE to read about how I styled it (and to find out about the piano behind me).

I first wore it to a family wedding and you can click HERE to find out more, especially the lovely jacket and who designed it.

When I first tried on the jumpsuit about a month ago, I had no inkling how important of a piece it would become. I’ve found that I have to put on the brakes to stop myself from using it too much! Have anyone else ever been surprised about a garment this way; something that you thought was going to be insignificant, but turned out to be a big player?

Is anyone else warming up to the new jumpsuits?

That wraps it up for this week.  I’ll have another blog bit in a couple of weeks. Once in a while, I just need a little break to get some things done and things are piling up. I love to hear from you, so you are certainly welcome to leave a comment or two or three!

I link up with some great blogs every week. To see who they are go HERE.

Husband Michael gets credit for the most of the photos of me. Daughter Rachelle gets credit for the Women’s Equality Week photo taken at the Kansas City Jazz Museum. Michael also does some editing.

Thanks for stopping by. Take care!

Time for my usual link-up blurb!

It’s time for the September 2nd Loved 1st Friday Linkup, which stays open until September 30th.

Any post on a blog, Instagram, Facebook or the like can linkup to this style celebration. If you can copy and paste the URL in the Linky box, you are good to go!

One item is quite OK—a hat, skirt, pants, shoes, purse, or a piece of jewelry.  That item (or items) can be from a thrift shop, eBay, consignment shop, vintage boutique, one of the online consignment shops such as RealReal–or even something a friend gave you because they didn’t want it anymore.

When you do post, I would appreciate a description about your 2nd Loved item (or items), what type of shop you found it and what drew you to it. Tell as much or as little as you want. To be featured in my collage, which I will put on Instagram along with your links, you have to say what item is second loved. That is a “have to”.

If you have never participated in a linkup before, no fear. Go to Linkup 101 guide that is found on my 2^nd Loved 1^st Friday linkup page (also found at the top in the tab section).

Just click the frog below to link up and join the fun!

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